The Job Skill Description Template to Rule Them All
Writing a job posting sounds like a pretty easy and straightforward task. Talk about the company, describe the position, list some important requirements and qualifications, post it and wait for candidates to apply. Sounds simple enough… but if your goal is to attract right-fit talent — you’ve got to standout.
One of the easiest ways to instantly boost the attractiveness of your job descriptions is to write directly to the type of candidate you’re looking to hire. To get you started, Ryan and I put together a video showcasing our (not-so) secret formula to help you write better, more contextualized job descriptions that attract and convert more right-fit talent. The formula is incredibly helpful in prompting you to write with impact and will help you be more engaging — which the most important of engaging your target candidates.
The formula looks like this:
[You Statement] + [Skill Name] + [Desired Result] +[Timeframe/Technology/Standard]
I’ve picked out a few real examples of job skills I found today, and I will demonstrate how easy the formula is to use and how effective it is in instantly adding meaningful context to your job descriptions.
Example 1: Content Marketing Manager
- Use qualitative and quantitative research to inform your content decisions.
- [You will] use [Google Analytics] to [research content marketing metrics like page views, average time on page, unique visitors] and use this data to [continuously improve the effectiveness of your out-reach]on a [daily basis].
After applying the formula, you can see just how much more context there is in this one sentence. A candidate now knows exactly what technologies they will be using, what they will be doing with that technology, and how often these tasks need to be completed. It helps you speak more directly to the candidate with the skillset you are seeking AND allows the candidate to better match their experience with the needs of your company.
Example 2: Business Development Manager
- Exceptional verbal and written communication skills; able to work with all stakeholders at leadership and executive levels
- [You will use] your [well-honed interpersonal skills] to [influence and engage key stakeholders across all business levels] to [nurture, grow and secure new business opportunities] [in-person, over the phone, and via e-mail].
This example for this BDR position actually added a little bit of context, but after applying or formula you can see how we added a little extra umph by talking about the impact they will have on new business opportunities, and how they’ll be accomplishing that task.
Example 3: Sales Representative
- Salesforce Admin/CRM expert
- [You are a Salesforce power user] and [utilize it in your process as a customer engagement tool] to [create leads, nurture and close all sales opportunities] [everyday single day].
This one seems innocent. But, it’s one of the most common corporate jargon oversights I see in job postings. The use of the word “expert” here provides no standard or context to job seekers. Using the formula helps provide a frame of reference as to the expectations of what an “expert” Salesforce users capabilities instead of leaving the interpretation up to the candidate.
Example 4: Project Manager
- Drive projects forward by collaborating with internal stakeholders
- [You will] play an integral role in [managing, and delivering bulletproof projects] by [collaborating with internal teams/stakeholders] to [ensure projects are completed both on-time and within budget].
Similar to the BDR position above, this requirement had a little bit of extra context. However, after implementing the formula I’ve added much more context by discussing the importance of collaboration and how it is essential in making sure projects are completed on-time and within budget.
Example 5: Financial Advisor
- Performing financial analysis, modelling and valuation
- [You will] [help your clients make informed financial decisions] by [performing key financial analysis] in order to [model and accurately value investments].
I’m sure as a financial advisor, most candidates will know they need to be doing financial things… but take that extra step to tell them exactly why they will be doing those things, and the impact they will have in accomplishing those tasks.
The truth is… writing job postings can be, and usually is, a pretty difficult task. Not only do you have to communicate effectively from a talent acquisition standpoint, but you’ve also got to write in a way that is marketable and personable. The good news is, with this formula you’re a gigantic leap closer to writing much more effective job descriptions by better engaging your target candidates with impactful and contextual language.
